Chapter 4 - A Flicker Before the Storm
"Someone call the police!" a voice cried out, echoing through the library.
After the scenario appeared, everyone was on edge, not knowing what to do. Everything seemed foreign to everyone and after the events of the park, acting with caution was the better option.
"They are not answering!" a woman exclaimed, panic lacing her voice.
"Everyone, stay calm!" a middle-aged man commanded. "I’m a police officer, call me Erik. This is an unusual situation, and the emergency lines are likely overwhelmed."
Erik took the police badge out of his pocket and showed to everyone.
The chaotic atmosphere began to settle a bit, and he continued, "As I was saying, since this situation seems to be occurring everywhere, the emergency lines are likely overwhelmed, so you won’t be able to reach them. For now, let’s stay calm and prevent any conflicts from arising until I can contact my department."
With a few firm and deliberate words, Erik was able to restore a semblance of quiet amidst the chaos, but the atmosphere had shifted from the once vibrant book signing. The joyful chatter and laughter that had filled the room were now replaced by tension.
Parents clutched their children tightly, trying to soothe them as the sound of small sobs broke through the stillness, echoing the unease that had settled over the crowd.
A teenager held a trembling dog close, muttering prayers softly. An elderly man leaned on his cane, his lips pale but resolute. Different tense expressions appeared on each face.
Noah on the other hand was having an internal conflict.
A few minutes prior.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
[Good luck to you all!]
So the first act started. This was the first of many acts that were in the book, not in the least the most difficult, but to ordinary people raised under modern laws, taking a life was an unfathomable act. So the first act was used as a flashback for a lot of characters in the book.
I focused on my breathing, steadying myself, and organizing my thoughts. From this point on, everything would change. Society as we knew it would collapse, giving way to a brutal world where only the strong would survive.
But I am curious, do the main characters of the book exist here too, am I a character now too?
Noah again lost himself in his thoughts, but something brought him back.
"Someone call the police!" He heard a man yell in the corner.
This is not going to work, he thought to himself, in the book the people had already tried this, and the response was as good as always.
"They are not answering!" Someone yelled from the other side.
Stop... Think, What should I do? Should I help these people? Should I just leave this place? The book has a lot of ways to pass the scenario, even a few creative ones.
"Everybody calm down!" Someone said from the middle of the library, but I was too concentrated in my thoughts to focus on the rest.
Finally, after thinking for a few moments I decided to leave the crowd and go somewhere else, staying here knowing what is about to happen is madness.
I should go up to the fourth floor and find a way to complete the act there. I remember reading about someone who passed the act by killing insects or small animals. Maybe I could do the same.
My phone buzzed suddenly, pulling me out of my thoughts. When I checked it, a video started playing.
[Attention, citizens of our nation. This is a nationwide transmission. I am the Vice President, and I am here to address a matter of urgent importance.
We have received reports of an infiltration by hostile forces. At this time, we kindly request that all citizens remain indoors for your safety and the safety of those around you.
While the identities of these infiltrators are not yet confirmed, I assure you that our security forces are fully mobilized and are working diligently to neutralize the threat. We expect the situation to be resolved within the day.
Long live our Nation, long live...]
The broadcast cut off abruptly, replaced by static. Seconds later, the floor trembled violently, sending books tumbling like dominos. A deafening explosion shattered the windows, unleashing a shower of jagged glass. Smoke billowed into the library as I ducked, shielding my face.
I knew what was happening, the presidency was long gone, and the vice president had stepped in only because the president had been targeted first. Now, it was his turn. It would be a long time before anyone would dare to challenge the Overseers like this again.